Comments on: Ira Rohter, Co-Chair of Green Party of Hawaii Dies

By: Tyler Roberts

Tyler Roberts — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:27:21 +0000

Their are few memorable people that I met during my time at University of Hawaii. Ira was the one professor that I will never forget. I have taken two classes from him and have gained immense respect for the things that he represented. Ira stood for decentralized government and was more of a advocate than a professor. He’s the one who encouraged me to get in front of people and speak my mind. I wish he could live to see the start of change in Hawaii, I hope I live to see the social change that he pushed so hard for. I will keep fighting trying to touch people the same way Ira invigorated me. He will be missed.

By: Gregg Jocoy

Gregg Jocoy — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:54:33 +0000

This post was written mid-summer and continues to get comments. It is obvious to me by this alone that Ira was an exceptional leader. We were lucky to have him.

By: AoKoSai

AoKoSai — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:22:09 +0000

I was very saddened finding out about Dr. Rohter’s death. He was a great professor who was always willing to help out us (students) when we needed help. He will surely be missed at UH Manoa. My sincere condolences for his wife & his children.

By: Jon Olsen

Jon Olsen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:52:49 +0000

I learned with shock of Ira’s passing within 48 hours, but only now see this posting so I can leave a comment. With Ira and half a dozen others, we began working on Hawai’i Green Party around 1989 or so, spending some two years, often at Ira and Karen’s house, developing a platform before we went public. He visited me on our family farm here in Maine a year ago with Karen, Shahnna, and Alon. I had returned here after 36 years in Hawai’i (but have returned 3 times since). He was a teacher and mentor for those of us formulating Green ideas and programs. We miss him. Aloha, my friend. Jon

By: Lynne Williams

Lynne Williams — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:35:54 +0000

I had the pleasure of spending a few hours chatting with Ira when he visited Maine a few years ago. He was engaging, interested in a wide range of topics, personable, and truly loved his state of Hawaii and the Green Party. I am very saddened by his passing.

By: Gregg Jocoy

Gregg Jocoy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:36:54 +0000

Ben,

This was in the “Advertiser” piece:

Karen Rohter said her husband died of a massive infection after returning from a camping trip to Oregon and Idaho.

The KITV piece said:

Friends said Rohter died of an illness he contracted last week.

Unfortunately that is all the detail I can provide. From all appearances it was sudden indeed.

By: Ben Kerkvliet

Ben Kerkvliet — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:33:50 +0000

What did Ira die of? I saw him recently and he gave no inkling he was ill.

Ira was a colleague during the 20 years I taught in the UH’s Political Science Department. He enjoyed teaching and was passionate about environmental politics. He was a good citizen in the department’s community, and he and his wife often generously hosted large, lively, fun parties for the department at their home.

By: Chloe Milligan

Chloe Milligan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:38:59 +0000

I was Ira Rohter’s student for two years. He inspired me more than any person has ever done so. His lectures were challenging and forced us to wake up and face reality. He preferred actions, not words, and most definitely left behind a group of students destined to continue Hawaii on a green path. Professor, i will miss you so much, and i speak for the thousands of students that you reached out to over your 40 years at UH. Thank you sir, from the bottom of my heart. Your legacy will live on and on forever. Take care “babes”

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:18:23 +0000

Professor Rohter was and is one of the best professors I have ever had. He inspired me to be a better person and an even better student. He opened my eyes to sustainability and how to live green. Thank you.

By: Third Party Revolution

Third Party Revolution — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:04:04 +0000

R.I.P Mr. Rohter